Procedures for use of microbial quality inspection

Please utilize microbial quality inspections in accordance with the following procedures.

Selection of samples and test items

Please read the Rules for commissioning microbial quality inspection (PDF) and Items for microbial quality inspection and inspection fees (PDF) and then choose the items for inspection.
For antibody tests only, the animal or a blood sample is required if you want cultures inspected.

Creation and delivery of the inspection request form

Fill out the necessary information for both Rules for commission of microbial quality inspection appended sheet, Appended form 1: Microbial quality inspection application form (Word), and Appended form 2: Microbial quality inspection application form appended sheet (Excel), and then post to the Kumamoto University Institute of Resource Development and Analysis Center for Animal Resources and Development Microbial Quality Inspection Contact Desk (FAX 096-373-6552: For emergencies only). When sending by FAX, also send the originals by post.

How to fill out the microbial quality inspection application form

Refer to this filled in example form.
First, circle the type of specimen to be inspected.
If the specimen is a blood sample, make sure to fill in the dilution ratio.
If there are multiple animals that need inspecting and individual identification is required, please fill in the following details and give each individual a separate number for identification. If individual identification is necessary, fill in the animal care room number for each animal care room.

Written consent and invoices sent from Kumamoto University

After checking the inspection commission details with the contact desk, you will be sent a microbial quality inspection acceptance as well as an invoice.

Payment

Inspection costs of microbial quality inspection to be commissioned at CARD must be paid in advance (see Article 3 and Article 6 of spfkisoku_new.pdf for reference). After payment has been accepted, the inspection will commence.

Shipment of specimens

After payment has been accepted, you will receive an email or phone call regarding the schedule for shipment of your specimen.

For individual animals

If the specimen selected is a live mouse or rat

1. Date for acceptance of animals
   Specimens can only be accepted at CARD from Monday to Wednesday (not including holidays).
   Arrange for specimens to arrive at CARD at the following times: Mon, Tue 8:30 - 17:00, Wed 8:30 - 12:00.
   
2. Notes on transport
   The items necessary for transport such as shipping box and water bottle (agar for hydration) should be prepared by the researcher. These can be obtained from the animal breeder/trader. Depending on the transport situation, the arrival to CARD may be delayed or some other trouble during transport should be expected, so please prepare several days worth of food and water (or agar). Have the animal breeder/trainer arrange the transport. Note that as courier services can't manage temperature during shipping, they are not suitable for animal transport.
   
3. When individual animal identification is required
   Please fill in the necessary information for individual identification of animals, such as numbering or marking the transport box.
   
4. Miscellaneous
   For rabbit and guinea pig specimen inspections, you will receive a detailed explanation by phone or email.
   

Blood samples

f the blood sample has been diluted with 0.1% of the preservative saline sodium azide, the sample can be sent at room temperature. Make sure that the blood sample container won't be damaged during shipping. For blood samples that don't have preservatives, after freezing, pack them with dry ice and send them via frozen courier.

Cells, etc.

Samples of 106 - 107 cell/ml and the culture supernatant should be packed separately in damage-proof containers, frozen, packed in dry ice, and sent via frozen courier. Or, after a full sheet of cells have been cultured in a culture bottle, fill the culture bottle with culture solution up to the top and send at room temperature.
For a detailed explanation, call or email.

Sending of test results

Test results are normally sent within 2 weeks of receiving the specimen.